According to the Arabic proverb “the words of kings are the kings of words”. His Majesty the King in his speech at the opening of the School said, “The ancient literature and the art of India are of unique interest in the history of human endeavour.” He added that we must develop this “intellectual tradition”. One of the finest functions of the School would be to establish, in Lord Curzon's words, “a clearing house for ideas between the East and the West.”